Troy Smith has developed a different view of football over the last year.

Sure, he can run and pass with the best quarterbacks, including a large group of talented ones returning to the Big Ten this season. But now the Ohio State star considers himself a student of the game, transformed by hours of film study into more than just a playmaker.

In fact, he'd feel comfortable piecing together his own game plan. Almost like a coach.

"Without a doubt," Smith said. "You can't go out and wing it. You have 80 players, 90 players out there and as soon as you open up a bag of footballs, it turns into a frenzy. I understand what coaches go through. I understand why they have a whistle and a blowhorn."

Smith, who became the starter in the third game a year ago, averaged 263 yards total offense last season and was the MVP of a Fiesta Bowl win over Notre Dame. But his real progress is measured in what he sees and knows.

"I think the depth of his understanding of what you have to do to become a good quarterback has been the turning point. When that occurred exactly I'm not sure," Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel said.

"I do think he has a good grasp on what it takes to be a good quarterback. I think when you're young sometimes you think it's a physical game. Then when you get older, you realize it's a mental game. I think that's what he grew to learn."

Smith is the marquee name of a list of returning quarterbacks this season. There are nine of them, the most in two decades in the Big Ten.

Every team, except Northwestern and Penn State, will have veteran leadership at the most important position on the field.

Northwestern must replace 2005 All-Conference first-teamer Brett Basanez. The Nittany Lions will have to find a successor for Michael Robinson -- last year's offensive player of the year in coaches' voting -- who led the Nittany Lions to a share of the Big Ten title with Ohio State.

Smith, Michigan's Chad Henne, Iowa's Drew Tate, Wisconsin's John Stocco, Minnesota's Bryan Cupito and Michigan State's Drew Stanton all have two years of experience. Indiana's Blake Powers, Purdue's Curtis Painter and Illinois' Tim Brasic are entering their second seasons as starters.

"They've been there and they understand what it's like to play in the Big Ten venues and against these schemes. So, it's a great advantage," Tressel said.

Capsule look at the teams in predicted order of finish:

OHIO STATE -- The Buckeyes' defense returns just two starters and loses ferocious linebacker A.J. Hawk and a trio of talented defensive backs in Ashton Youboty, Donte Whitner and Nate Salley. Besides wide receiver and first-round draft pick Santonio Holmes, the offense said goodbye to top linemen Rob Sims and Nick Mangold. ... Versatile Ted Ginn Jr. becomes the top passing catching threat for Smith, and 1,000-yard rusher Antonio Pittman returns. ... Key game comes early in the second week when the Buckeyes play at Texas.

MICHIGAN -- The Wolverines are coming off a five-loss season, their worst in Lloyd Carr's tenure that began in 1995, but have 18 starters returning. ... Henne, who threw 23 TD passes and just eight interceptions, heads an offense hoping for a healthy season from RB Mike Hart, who as a freshman two years ago led the league in rushing. DB Leon Hall counted on for leadership.

IOWA -- The Hawkeyes have RB Albert Young, who rushed for 1,334 yards and Tate, who threw 22 TD passes. It's defense where Iowa will have to plug holes, most notably those created by the departures of LBs Abdul Hodge and Chad Greenway. ... Renovated Kinnick Stadium has received a $90 million overhaul.

WISCONSIN -- The Badgers return eight defensive starters, a steady leader in Stocco and an all-league OT Joe Thomas, but lost 1,600-yard rusher Brian Calhoun. ... Rookie coach Bret Bielema is only 36 and was hand-picked by Barry Alvarez to succeed him. Alvarez's office as athletic director is not far away. But Bielema says the former coach who won three Rose Bowls has kept his distance.

PURDUE -- A favorable league schedule didn't help much last season when the Boilermakers had their first losing season under Joe Tiller since he arrived in 1997. But for a second straight season, Purdue doesn't have to play Ohio State or Michigan. ... Painter has a standout receiver in Dorien Bryant. ... Bill Legg and Ed Zaunbrecher will share offensive coordinators' job.

PENN STATE -- Joe Paterno, 79, is starting his 41st season as head coach with no plans to retire. ... The Nittany Lions must replace 13 starters lost from offense and defense, none as important as the elusive and versatile Robinson. Anthony Morelli attempted 20 passes last season. ... Penn State is counting on preseason defensive player of the year Paul Posluszny to be full strength after hurting his knee in the Orange Bowl victory over Florida State.

MICHIGAN STATE -- Spartans need to avoid late-season fades that resulted in two straight losing seasons. They lost six of final seven last season and dropped four of last five in 2004. ... Stanton, at 6-3, 230, is a top pro prospect after throwing for more than 3,000 yards last season.

MINNESOTA -- Coach Glen Mason got a five-year extension after last season. The Gophers return 17 starters, but lost top rusher Laurence Maroney to the NFL and must see if RB Amir Pinnix can continue long tradition of 1,000-yard runners under Mason. ... Cupito threw for 2,500 yards with 19 TDs last season. All-league TE Matt Spaeth is back.

INDIANA -- Powers had 22 TD passes but 16 interceptions in coach Terry Hoeppner's first season. The Hoosiers' only league win came over Illinois and they dropped their last six games to go 4-7. Must improve defensively after surrendering more than 40 points in five of the final six games ... Indiana returns 14 starters, seven on each side.

NORTHWESTERN -- Heavy hearts for the Wildcats after the sudden death of coach Randy Walker this summer. Their emotions will be a factor in the season opener at Miami (Ohio), Walker's alma mater. ... Coach Pat Fitzgerald, just 31, was a leader as a star linebacker in the school's turnaround in the mid 90s. ... Tyrell Sutton was a 1,400-yard rusher as a freshman last year. QB C.J. Bacher should get first crack at replacing Basanez.

ILLINOIS -- Ron Zook's first season resulted in an 0-8 league mark and nine straight losses. ... Illini return more starters than any team in the Big Ten -- 10 on each side. ... Brasic passed for nearly 2,000 yards. Leading rusher Pierre Thomas also back.